Teacher, Policeman
Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo was a Deputy Commissioner of Police best known for his humane disposition, wit, and intelligence in handling civil and criminal investigations during the 1990s to 2000s.
Synopsis
Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo (1947-2016) hailed from Okumbiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in the early 1970s and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Commissioner of Police before retiring in 2002. He was one of the few Nigerian Police Officers who eschewed bribery when prosecuting any low or high-profile case. Johnbull Kotingo was a staunch member of Deeper Life Bible Church and passed away peacefully in 2016.
Birth and Early Life
Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo was born on August 15, 1947, in Okumbiri, Mein/Oyhiakiri clan, Sagbama Local Government, Mid-West (now Bayelsa State), Nigeria. His father, Mr. Kotingo, was a son of the great Tolubowei, whose ancestry is linked to Ogboin kingdom in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Mr. Kotingo was a polygamist. Johnbull’s mother, Gold Ere, was from the Gbosombiri family of Agoro community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. She gave birth to Johnbull and his younger sister, Afulani Kotingo. Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was only three years old in 1949.
Education
Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo attended the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Modern School, Okumbiri, in the early 1950s and obtained his First Leaving Certificate. He then proceeded to the Secondary Modern School, Okumbiri, and earned his GCE (General Certificate of Education) in 1963.
Career
He had a stint as a teacher at his alma mater, Secondary Modern School, Okumbiri, before moving to Lagos State. Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo was enlisted in the Nigerian Army but resigned just before the Nigerian Civil War of 1967. After leaving the Army, he pursued his lifelong goal of a career in law enforcement. He was recruited at Ikeja Police College in the 1970s and posted to Degema Divisional Police Station in Rivers State. Johnbull had a remarkable conviction for his job as a police officer and its invaluable purpose in society. Being a police officer was his calling, and he loved his job. He rose through the ranks and attended several courses within and outside the country.
Service
Johnbull Kotingo served as the Officer-in-Charge CID in Port Harcourt and Calabar between 2000 and 2001. He was District Police Officer (DPO) at several police stations across the country. He also served as Commandant of Police Training School, Area Commandant of Gboko, Officer-in-Charge State CID Makurdi, and his last posting was Officer-in-Charge X-Squad Alagbon, Lagos State. Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police until his retirement from the Police Force in 2002.
Life After Retirement
After retiring from the force, Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo was made the Chairman of the Retired Police Officers Association until 2016. He was also a member of the Bayelsa State Security Advisory Committee during Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s tenure as Governor of the State from 2004 to 2006.
Faith
Initially, Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo was a member of Jehovah’s Witness in his youth. He later converted and joined the Deeper Life Bible Church in 1986.
Family
Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo was married to Mrs. Flora Waidei Kotingo in the early 1970s, and the couple had eight dutiful and resourceful children together.
Death
Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo passed away on June 10, 2016, at 9:45 am in Yenagoa. He was buried in Okumbiri, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was 69 years old. Johnbull Ekoi Kotingo will always be remembered for his kind disposition and his uncanny ability to resolve issues.